Dexon TechnologySouth America – October – Dexon proudly announces the completion of an axial crack inspection in South America.
The 12”, 33km transport line runs underground into the main distribution hub of the country, where over 400 tanker trucks depart daily to supply fuel to gas stations throughout the region. The line carries various refined products, including diesel and naphtha, essential for downstream operations.
Dexon’s Legacy in South America
Dexon has been a trusted name in the South American pipeline industry for nearly 30 years. Throughout this time, the company have achieved numerous milestones, such as:
Inspecting 350km of crude oil pipelines in a single month
Inspecting 3”, unpiggable nitrogen line
Inspecting circumferential cracks on a line operating at 85°C
The latest axial inspection is another notch in the company’s belt, certifying its role as a crack detection service provider in the region.
The Importance of Detecting Cracks
Cracks are a significant concern for operators, as they can lead to devastating consequences. A well-known incident in California in the 2000s was caused by cracks in faulty welds, resulting in a 300m fireball, eight tragic deaths, and billions in fines and lawsuits.
Pipeline cracks might just be a few centimeters in size, but they are no small matter.
To prevent disaster, operators strive to maintain the highest standards of safety and reliability. The UT-CD Hawk tool was developed with this in mind—helping operators identify potential issues early and avert catastrophic outcomes, protecting both their communities and their businesses.
The UT-CD Hawk in Action
The inspection showcased the advanced capabilities of the UT-CD Hawk, including:
Precise detection of axial cracks – with versions available for circumferential cracks
High-resolution measurements at 1,000,000 samples per square meter
Crack detection down to 1mm and sizing to .8mm
Metal loss detection
Customizable, modular design to meet various pipeline challenges
Results
Initial results from the axial inspection were promising. The data covering the length of the 33km transport line met POF standards and exceeded the client’s expectations. A more detailed analysis is currently underway to identify and evaluate any detected cracks further.
This successful project reinforces Dexon’s reputation for bringing technical expertise to better serve markets and ensure the safe operations of pipelines throughout the region.